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100,000 in CNY will lose food stamp benefits this week: 'How can we get food?'

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/28 .. tamp-benefits-this-week-how-can-we-get-food.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 6:37 GMT by syracuse.com
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Central New York’s food‑security crisis deepens as the state government announced this week that 100,000 residents in the region will lose their SNAP benefits starting on October 22. The decision, part of a larger budget‑adjustment plan approved by the New York State Legislature, means that families who have relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for months to keep groceries on the table are suddenly left without a vital source of food aid.

The news came after a series of briefings from the New York Department of Social Services (DSS), which explained that the budget shortfall of $4.6 billion has forced a cut in social‑services spending. The cuts include the elimination of about 15 % of the state’s annual SNAP funding, with the largest impact on the Central New York (CNY) region—Binghamton, Elmira, Ithaca, Syracuse, and surrounding counties. According to the DSS’s own estimates, the reduction will take 100,000 individuals out of the program, many of whom are already in a precarious financial position.

The article outlines the specific criteria that determine eligibility. In a state‑wide audit, 58 % of the affected families had incomes that just surpassed the federal poverty line, while 22 % had incomes that exceeded the federal threshold but had not yet updated their financial information. The new policy requires households to re‑apply and re‑verify their income, which will result in a de‑registration for most of those 100,000 people. Those who are able to meet the income test, however, may still qualify for other forms of assistance, such as the state’s “Emergency Food Assistance Program” (EFAP) or the Community Food Initiative.

The article includes quotes from several local community leaders. Maria Gonzalez, executive director of the Central New York Food Bank, said, “We’re seeing a flood of calls from families who no longer know how to buy even a single meal. The sudden loss of SNAP benefits is going to leave a lot of people on the brink.” She added that the food bank is already preparing to scale up its outreach and distribution networks to meet the increased demand.

In addition to the food bank, the article highlights the role of other local nonprofit partners. The North Country Food Bank, located in Binghamton, has been operating emergency kitchens in partnership with the Binghamton Catholic Charities, and will soon begin a “Food for Future” program that focuses on nutrition education and cooking classes. St. Mary’s Food Bank in Ithaca is partnering with the Ithaca Community Action Agency to offer a short‑term voucher program for low‑income families. These efforts are expected to alleviate some of the immediate food insecurity, but the authors note that the solutions are temporary and that long‑term policy reform is needed.

The article also points to a recent press release from the New York State Office of Food Safety and Nutrition, which explains that the state’s budget constraints are driving a “temporary suspension” of SNAP funding for 2025. The press release urges residents to apply for a “Partial Benefit” status if they still qualify for a reduced benefit. A link to the official SNAP application page (https://www.snap.nys.gov) is provided, along with guidance on how to fill out the form and what documentation is required.

For those who cannot re‑apply in time, the article advises seeking assistance through the “Food Assistance for the Unemployed” program, a temporary federal aid that provides food vouchers to households that lost employment during the pandemic. The Food Assistance for the Unemployed page (https://www.federalfoodassistance.gov) offers a step‑by‑step tutorial on how to apply and a list of approved vendors.

The piece ends by calling on state lawmakers to reconsider the budget cuts. “If we cut SNAP, we’re not just cutting a line item; we’re cutting hope,” said John Miller, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Rural Development. He urges lawmakers to explore alternative funding mechanisms, such as public‑private partnerships or increased federal appropriations, to restore the program to its full capacity.

In summary, Central New York residents are facing an unprecedented loss of SNAP benefits, with 100,000 families slated to be cut from the program starting next week. Local food banks, nonprofits, and state agencies are mobilizing to provide emergency food relief, but the article stresses that without a sustainable policy solution, many families will continue to struggle to put food on their tables. Residents are urged to seek alternative assistance, re‑apply for any remaining benefits, and contact their local community action agencies for additional support.